Vijf putti bij een liggende leeuw c. 1705 - 1754

"Vijf putti bij een liggende leeuw" (Five Putti by a Reclining Lion), a pen and wash drawing by Dutch artist Jacob de Wit, captures a playful scene of five cherubic figures interacting with a reclining lion. Executed in a loose and expressive style, De Wit’s sketch masterfully conveys the dynamic movement and innocent charm of the putti. This small-scale drawing, measuring just 81mm by 142mm, likely served as a preparatory study for a larger painting. De Wit, known for his mastery of figure drawing and his sensitivity to light and shadow, employed a subtle use of wash to enhance the sense of volume and depth.